As the spooky season kicks into gear, Wendy’s is unleashing more than just frightful fun—it’s reinforcing the power of "timely" brand marketing messaging that drives consumer engagement and deepens brand relevance according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. This Halloween season, Wendy’s is captivating families with its Frosty Frights kids’ meal collection, a clever twist on the iconic Frosty treat that integrates playful, limited-time collectibles. This strategy not only taps into the excitement of seasonal fun but also speaks volumes about ..read more

  Over the past decade, the food industry has experienced a seismic shift toward convenience, and the rapid rise of takeout and grab n’ go options has been nothing short of remarkable. The team at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® has been analyzing the increasing demand for quick, quality meals has been driven by busier schedules, shrinking disposable incomes, and an undeniable consumer desire to simplify daily life without sacrificing taste since 1991.  From sushi and sandwiches to salads and snacks, grab n’ go has evolved from a fringe offering into a cornerstone of modern ..read more

  Once known primarily for their role in providing quick snacks and fuel, convenience stores have evolved into key players in the retail foodservice industry. They have become destinations for fresh food fast, catering to consumers who seek quality meals without the wait. According to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, from the morning rush to late-night dinners, convenience stores have transformed how Americans eat on the go. This evolution has also unlocked new revenue streams, particularly through the sale of beer and wine to-go, further drivin ..read more

  Retail foodservice is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and the desire for convenience without compromising quality according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. As the industry evolves, certain sectors are emerging as the frontrunners, attracting consumers in droves and setting the stage for the next big thing in retail foodservice. From grocerant niche innovations to tech-driven meal solutions, here’s a look at the sectors where consumers are migrating and why they’re poised for ..read more

  It's clear that legacy grocery stores, once the dominant force in food retail, are now navigating a challenging landscape marked by significant market share capitulation according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. This shift has been driven by three prominent trends: the encroachment of dollar stores, drug stores, and convenience stores (c-stores); the rising competition from restaurants; and the success of lower-priced competitors like Aldi, Lidl, and WinCo Foods. Each of these factors has contributed to a reconfiguration of the food retail ..read more

  Notice was first given in 1991 when Foodservice Solutions®, Grocerant Guru® Steven Johnson, warned foodservice industry professionals about the shifting consumer mindset at COEX. Then, in 1996, Johnson coined the term "grocerants" in an Op-Ed article published in both FoodService Director and Nation’s Restaurant News. Fast forward to today, and the foodservice industry is in the midst of a retail discontinuity driven by the evolving preferences of Gen Z and Millennial consumers. Looking Ahead: The Fight for Consumer Relevance Globally, restaurants are battling to maintain consumer rel ..read more

  From the outset, Amazon has been synonymous with innovation. The company disrupted the entire retail landscape with its commitment to price competitiveness, customer-centric operations, and an unmatched logistical network. Now then according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes, in a perplexing pivot, Amazon Fresh has devolved into a copycat grocer, straying far from the core competency that once defined it—price leadership. The result? An uninspired, undifferentiated grocery entity that is doomed to fade into the background, much like ..read more

  Consumers are dynamic not static according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® thus, partnerships between brands and other entities, such as sports teams or entertainment franchises, can be a powerful way to boost visibility, connect with consumers, and drive sales. However, when these partnerships go wrong, the fallout can be damaging, both financially and reputationally. The recent lawsuit involving Hooters and Hendrick Motorsports over unpaid sponsorship money is a stark reminder of how these collaborations can sour. Key Mistakes That Lead t ..read more

  At the intersection of today’s consumers and food sales success Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes that in today’s dynamic retail landscape, where consumer behavior is continuously evolving, the grocerant niche—characterized by hand-held, ready-to-eat (RTE), and heat-and-eat fresh prepared foods—has surged to the forefront. What was once a peripheral segment has now become central to the retail foodservice sector’s growth. This shift can be traced back directly to the adoption of Foodservice Solutions® Five P’s of Fresh Food Marketing, a ..read more

  At Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, our Grocerant Guru® Steven Johnson says, “Success leaves clues,” and one of the biggest clues in the restaurant industry is that focusing on families and kids works. One of the most reliable traffic drivers for restaurants has always been the "Kids Eat Free" promotion. While it was once the domain of family-style restaurants like IHOP and Denny’s, the concept has now spread across various dining segments. With guest traffic down across the board, more and more restaurants, from casual dining to even the likes of Denny’s, Captain D's and, Chi ..read more